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jennswan's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia and Racism
bookishde's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
I have mixed feelings about this book. The author has a beautiful writing style and a way with describing scenes and characters so that I felt like I was there too (and boy, did this book make me feel hungry at times! I wish I could try Amma's food).
That said, for a book that puts poetry at the centre stage, I felt that the poetry was the weakest link. For example, there was no differentiation between Nida's and her Amma's poetry voice. I would have liked to see something unique and identifable to each character, so that you could clearly twll who penned each piece. Similarly, the blue string, curse, and flashback scenes seemed unnecessary, and rather than add a layer of intrigue, actually drew me out of the book.
I do want to flag this - it was disappointing to mention that a character has ADHD, but has overcome this through willpower alone. Why even mention this?
I'd like to listen to the audiobook for this, and see how the poetry comes across out loud.
That said, for a book that puts poetry at the centre stage, I felt that the poetry was the weakest link. For example, there was no differentiation between Nida's and her Amma's poetry voice. I would have liked to see something unique and identifable to each character, so that you could clearly twll who penned each piece. Similarly, the blue string, curse, and flashback scenes seemed unnecessary, and rather than add a layer of intrigue, actually drew me out of the book.
I do want to flag this - it was disappointing to mention that a character has ADHD, but has overcome this through willpower alone. Why even mention this?
I'd like to listen to the audiobook for this, and see how the poetry comes across out loud.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia and Racism
Moderate: War
Minor: Ableism
lettuce_read's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Islamophobia, and Police brutality
Moderate: Grief
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